Valencia winger Mata back on Liverpool radar

The Mirror says Benitez has been given the go-ahead to bring in two new players as soon as the window opens on January 1. His main priority is cover for striker Fernando Torres, but he is also keen to add pace to his midfield.

Mata is on his short-list, as he looks for the reinforcements he hopes can help salvage something from Liverpool's disastrous season.

Mata is a highly regarded full Spanish international who, at the age of 21, has already shown his immense promise with Valencia in La Liga, but that has catapulted his price towards the £20million mark, which is far too expensive for Liverpool.